Parkwood Elementary honored for improving math scores

Parkwood staff, district administrators and board members
pose for a picture after the award presentation
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recognized Parkwood Elementary as one of the top schools in the state for improving math scores and closing the achievement gap at a surprise celebration held for the school’s staff on Wednesday, November 30.

OSPI’s Title I Program Supervisor Larry Fazzari traveled from Olympia to make the presentation to the school’s staff. He presented them with two of the most prestigious awards granted by the OSPI Title I Office.

Parkwood earned the Title I, Part A Distinguished School Award for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap in mathematics. They were one of only five Title 1 schools in the state to earn the honor. They were also presented with the Title I, Part A Academic Achievement Award for raising student achievement in math school-wide, one of only eight schools in the state to win that award. They were one of only three schools in the state to win both awards.

Parkwood is one of 2,190 Title I schools in the state that were eligible for the awards. Title I is a federal education program that allocates additional funds and resources to schools with high rates of low-income families to support students in meeting challenging academic standards.

“The recognition is a welcome confirmation of what we already knew, we have great schools here in Shoreline, and Parkwood is a shining example of what is possible in supporting the success of all students,” said Assistant Superintendent Brian Schultz.

Parkwood’s English Language Learner (ELL) performance on the math Smarter Balanced Assessment exceeded the state average by 14 percent in 2015 and by 17 percent in 2016. The school’s Hispanic and African American students also outperformed their subgroups in math by 21 percent in 2015 and by 25 percent in 2016.

“Our staff are committed to teamwork and truly view every child’s future as their personal responsibility,” said Parkwood Principal Ann Torres. “They are creative and persistent, constantly trying new things to ensure every single child maximizes their potential.”

Superintendent Rebecca Miner had praise for the whole school community.

“We are incredibly proud of the amazing work the school’s staff, students and families have done to earn this recognition. I am also very grateful for our supportive, student-focused community who continually go above and beyond to support student success.”

Along with the awards, OPSI also presented the school with a $15,000 check for the school to use in funding programs and practices that continue to support student success. OSPI is also paying to send three of the school’s staff to attend the National Title I Conference in Long Beach, CA this February.